Winter cockpit cover material ?

[Crowblack]

I'm browsing Ebay for a used semi industrial sowing machine to make some bits (dodgers etc) for the boat and thought - thinking ahead to next winter I'd also make a fitted cover to go over the hatchway and cockpit to keep the worst of the winter weather off.

Anyone know a supplier for tough tarp like material - to make a strong cover ?

 

[Tranona]

My winter cover is acrylic canvas - commonly used for dodgers, spray hoods, sail covers etc. Now in its 15th year. Buy from a sailmaker or on line supplier such as Hawk House.

 

[Crowblack]

Thanks for response - will look at Hawk House.

 

[lw395]

Pointnorth.co.uk
Sailcloth.co.uk

Depending on where you live, it may be worth buying from a local sailmaker, as postage charges can be high.

 

[planteater]

I bought a roll like this -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10mts-60-...Textiles_SM&hash=item2ebed9cf99#ht_522wt_1181

and have used it make external cushions, halyard bags. It's really easy to sew with a domestic machine. The only downside is that it has faded from navy to a bluish grey over the last couple of years. It's faded evenly so still looks OK.

 

[Evadne]

I use a 2-man tent, with the interior lining removed. On Evadne it actually covers the whole cockpit and main hatch, on a bigger boat a bigger tent might be more appropriate. You can pick them up cheaply (£25-£50) from camping shops just after Christmas and they usually last 3-4 years, or you can get a cheap and nasty festival one now for the same money and it might do a second winter.

 

[lustyd]

A domestic machine with denim needle will sew 4 layers of acrylic canvas perfectly well. You'll also want some venture tape from sailcloth.co.uk as well as Hipkiss kit for adding eyelets to the cover.
For the winter cover you probably want coated acrylic canvas but for the rest non coated.
Cheers
Dave

 

[rob2]

It rather sound like you could usefully get the cover made and fitted for this weekend!

Rob.

 

[SimonJ]

Search for acrylic canvas on Ebay & you will find what you need. I have made a sailcover and spryahood with materials from that source this winter. A domestic machine with jeans or No 18 needles should be fine but get the right thread.

 

[doug748]

My present boat came with a fitted cockpit cover, I was a bit sceptical at first but it is excellent.
It keeps the worst of the water off, as you say. It also protects the brightwork, and keeps dirt, leaves and wildlife at bay. To a certain extent it also helps security.
I made myself a new one last year from coated acrylic canvas, so I now have one for the season and one for winter.
Acrylic canvas has very poor abrasion resistance, so patch on the inside at wear points.

 

[Crowblack]

Great replies thanks - given me lots to work on - hmmm - one for winter and one for summer - that's a good idea.

Also - guess what I'm looking forward to is being able to do it myself - and not paying for either making up or repairing the boats covers. It's not the money so much as the feeling I could have done it myself cheaper/better for what sometimes looks like a very simple repair or make up.

Also - sounds like I don't have to buy a "fancy" machine to obtain best results - thanks again guy's.

 

[Captain Coochie]

I bought two ground sheets from a camping shop . Hot glued them together , draped them over the boat and cut them to the shape i wanted . Then attached some press on eyelets . Cost about £15 in total , looks ok and has lasted about four years so far with no leaks .